Jan. 2, 2013. Preliminary statistics indicate that five people died on North Carolina roadways during the New Year’s holiday enforcement period (Sunday, December 31, 2012 through Wednesday, January 02, 2013). Last year there were four deaths during the same enforcement period.

Through December 31, preliminary statistics indicate that 846 fatal collisions occurred on North Carolina highways during 2012. Out of the 846 collisions, 899 people died. Of that number, 98 were pedestrians, 15 were bicyclists and 79 were motorcyclists. A total of 204 fatal collisions resulted from crashes involving the suspected use of alcohol.

Of the three (3) fatal motor vehicle collisions during this holiday enforcement period, two were attributed to alcohol. Fatal collisions occurred in the following counties:

Robeson County (Fairmont, NC) (One fatality-Tuesday, January 1, 2013)

Vehicle #1, an ATV, was traveling on Pleasant Road. Vehicle #2 approached from the rear, striking vehicle #1. The impact caused vehicle #1 to run onto the left shoulder where the ATV overturned, killing the operator. Alcohol was involved.

Vehicle #1 was traveling west on Morrison Road when the vehicle ran unto the left shoulder, striking a tree and a utility pole, killing the operator. Alcohol was involved and no seatbelt.

The driver was identified as:

Jamie Vidal Crespo27 year old Hispanic Male1258 New Hope Church Road, Turkey NC

Buncombe County (Three fatalities-Tuesday, January 1, 2013)

Vehicle #1, a Volvo, was traveling south on NC 191 near Ledbetter Road when it traveled left of center into the path of a tractor trailer. The impact killed three occupants of the Volvo and injured the driver of the tractor trailer. Speed is a contributing factor in this case. The identity of the deceased is not being released at this time.

For more detailed on each respective collision, please contact the individual Highway Patrol office.

Citizens can contribute to highway safety by reporting erratic drivers to the Highway Patrol by dialing *Hp or *47 on a cellular phone. Callers should give a description of the vehicle, location, direction of travel and license plate number if possible.